OAU dons describes Elebuibon as repository of Yoruba tradition

…holds maiden lecture in his honour

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Renown scholars of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife Osun State, have described the renown Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon as a repository of Yoruba tradition.

The scholars spoke at the Maiden annual lecture held in honour of the cultural enthusiast by the Institute of Cultural Studies of the University at the Oduduwa hall on Tuesday.

Delivering the lecture titled, “Osundagbonu Ifayemi Elebuibon: The Man, The Myth and the Messanger of Ife”, Professor Adebisi Ademakinwa, disclosed that the Araba of Osogbo is one of the few traditionalists whose knowledge of yoruba tradition is helping to preserve the peoples’ culture.

While noting that the mythical birth of the traditional priest is not just essential for students of culture, he described his work in preserving Yoruba culture heritage as revolutionary.

His words, “As a custodian of Yoruba cultural beliefs, culture, and philosophy, Chief Elebuibon is a pillar against any erosion of Yoruba history and culture by Western influences. Through many cultural organizations, such as Ancient Philosophy International in Osogbo, set up by Chief Elebuibon, the Ifa priest is, on his own, advancing learning and culture, which connects him with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

“With his relationship and interaction with the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, where he served as Visiting Scholar, and the Institute of Cultural Studies as a resource person, Chief Elebuibon is laying a solid foundation for the preservation of Yoruba tangible and intangible cultural beliefs, cultures, and traditions.

“The Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, proudly celebrates Chief Ifáyẹmi Ọ̀súndàgbonù Elebuibon as a colossus and an outstanding light on the path of promoting an indigenous knowledge system”.

Earlier in his remark, the Director of the Institute, Professor Olusegun Oladosu described Elebuibon’s temple as a university without wall, where the diapora visit for research purposes.

His words, “Baba represents many positive things as far as Yoruba culture is concerned. But I will mention just a few. First, he is a scholar – practitioner that bridges the ancient and the modern. He bestrides what the ODU whispered in the grove and in the lecture halls in Ivy League institutions.

From Obafemi Awolowo University to San Francisco State University, Baba has shown us that indigenous knowledge is not antithetical to scholarship; it is scholarship. Although Baba has taught the boundless wisdom of Ifa on global platforms, he never stops learning at the feet of Olodumare. Baba has written plays and films for television, yet every line is rooted in the verses of Ifa.

“He is a custodian of the worthy legacies of the ancestors. For example, when Osun Osogbo faced encroachment and neglect, he was among those who spoke, sang, and worked until UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Also, at atime when Ifa was dismissed as superstition, Baba carried its verses to international conferences and proved that it is philosophy, science, and ethics.

“Chief Elebuibon is a teacher. He has trained students, promoted Ifa studies, and initiated a new generation of Yoruba epistemic devotees. The Ogbeyonu Temple in Osogbo is a university without walls, where researchers from Nigeria, Europe, and the Americas come to drink from the well of Yoruba wisdom”.

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